Following the departure of the previous principal, the Diverse Academies Learning Partnership (DALP) has moved quickly to put in place a new interim leadership structure at Retford Oaks Academy.

David Cotton, principal of Tuxford Academy, will assume the role of executive principal with Heather Wainman, previously vice principal at Retford Oaks, taking over as Head of Academy.

Chris Pickering, CEO of DALP, is keen to strengthen collaboration within the group of Academies which also includes The National C of E Academy and The Holgate Academy in Hucknall, Tuxford Academy and Tuxford Primary Academy, and East Leake Academy in the south of Notts.

He said: “David Cotton brings significant experience of successfully leading an academy to outstanding and Retford Oaks will benefit enormously from his expertise and the additional capacity provided by the close relationship with Tuxford Academy. “

“I am also delighted that Heather Wainman will be working in partnership with David as she assumes her new role as Head of Academy.”

David Cotton is very excited about the future: “I am delighted to be working in partnership with Heather Wainman.”

We are already making significant progress in raising both the achievement of students and building on their personal development.”

Heather Wainman is as equally enthused and is determined to build upon the Academy’s many strengths: “I feel extremely privileged to be playing a leading role in moving Retford Oaks forward.”

“We are a dedicated and hard-working team and through working closely with students, parents and governors I know we can achieve great things.”

“In my role as Head of Academy, I will be taking day to day responsibility for the management of the school and will be working very closely with David Cotton”.

Mike Quigley, chair of the Governing Body, said he was very proud of the Academy’s excellent work in nurturing the development of its students.

He added: “Students at Retford Oaks thrive on the Academy’s nurturing, caring ethos and we have a strong relationship with our local community.”

“This is something that we are very proud of and we regularly welcome parents and visitors into the Academy to showcase the many talents our students have.”

“High standards and expectations are key to maximising the achievement of every individual and this is very important to us as we move forward.’

In its recent Ofsted inspection the Academy’s strengths were recognised but some key areas were identified as requiring improvement, particularly in relation to the consistency of high quality teaching.

This is a top priority of the new leadership team in the Academy.

Expectations and ambitions are high and the Academy is looking forward to welcoming the new Year 7’s as part of its exciting future.